Orioles Minor League Rundown: 4/22/14

Norfolk 3 Lehigh Valley (Phillies) 6

(LHP) Anthony Vasquez is a 27 year old hailing from Texas by way of USC who was drafted by the Mariners back in '09. The O's just signed him to a minor league deal, and he got to make his first AAA start since '12 while with Tacoma of the PCL. 4 innings and 5 earned runs later his night was through. (LHP) Troy Patton made his first 'rehab' appearance, pitching 1.1 innings while allowing just 1 hit, no walks, and no runs.

The Tides managed to bop the ball all over the park, but 13 base runners only translated into 3 runs on the night. (CF) Julio Borbon continues to make himself useful, going 2-5 while also inducing a throwing error on a dribbler back to the pitcher. (2B) Jemile Weeks drew another walk and also had a 2 hit night. He leads the International League with 16 free passes drawn on the season. Back-to-back multi hit nights for (RF) Henry Urrutia now. He's 5-9 over that span. But when will the power materialize? Never, would be my guess.

Erie (Tigers) 1 Bowie 11

The Baysox blasted 16 hits on the night, including 3 doubles and 4 dingers en route to a 10 run blow out margin of victory. 6 Sox had multi hit nights, including reigning Eastern League Player of the Week, Christian Walker. A 3-4 night for him included a walk and a Grand Slam. Much like pitching prospects, 'there's no such thing as a 1B prospect', but if he has found and can retain his stroke he can certainly be a valuable member of the organization and may well have a major league future awaiting him. (3B) Buck Britton continued his torrid start to the season by matching Walker's line of 3-4 with a HR and a walk. ( C ) Michael Ohlman went 1-5 with a double.

(LHP) Tim Berry started for Bowie and never gave the Seawolves any quarter to mount a possible comeback. 6 IP, 3 hits and 1 walk allowed, 1 ER, and 4 Ks. The 23 year old Berry has been downright filthy to start the season, compiling 24 IP over his first 4 starts with an ERA of 1.13 and a FIP of 2.02. He has K'd 19, walked 6, gotten 1.38 ground outs for each flyout, and has yet to allow a HR.

Side note: (LHP) Eduardo Rodriguez was placed on the 7 day D.L. with a knee injury. Though it is not considered a serious issue, and he is expected back after taking a few days off.

Savannah (Mets) 1 Delmarva 4

Another start for Hunter Harvey, another encouraging effort, even if the stat line doesn't fully reflect it. The young Padawan dismissed an incredibly tight strike zone and focused on his training to hold Sand Gnats hitters to 3 hits and 1 unearned run over 4 innings of work. He used his hammer curve to great effect and moved his 93-94 mph fastball all around the edges of the zone to induce 5 Ks. Though charged with 5 walks, this was more a product of the ump testing Hunter's dart throwing ability. Regardless, Harvey maintained his poise, beared down and fought his way through.

The 'pen came on and provided 5 decent innings of relief, combining to allow just 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 HBP, and 0 R while K'ing 4.

On offense, (CF) Josh Hart had the night off after suffering an ankle sprain on Sunday. No word on how much time he is expected to miss. (RF) Mike Yastrzemski got a shot as the lead off hitter and a 2-4 night with a triple seemed to show the role suited him well enough. (CF) Gregory Lorenzo and (LF) Conor Bierfeldt each added 2-3 nights. Not a particularly strong night for ( C ) Chance Sisco behind the dish, as 6 runners attempted to steal bags on his watch and 5 were successful. He also chucked a ball into CF on one throw to 2B, allowing a runner to advance to 3rd.

Back to a full slate of games today. Here are your probables:

Norfolk: (RHP) Suk-min Yoon

Bowie: (RHP) Zach Davies

Frederick: (RHP) Brady Wager

Delmarva: (LHP) Steven Brault